Sr. Cub Center Chats with Pat Curtis
Protein is good for us health wise, but as in most cases, moderation is the key factor. Aging sometimes brings digestive problems that need to be addressed. Red meat can be harder to digest, so caution should be followed in choosing our meat at mealtime. Chicken is a tasty treat, but consider the added fat content of fried chicken.
Taste and texture are important to us as we munch down on our meals, so try to provide as much flavor as possible through spices and cooking methods. Be light-handed with the salt if you are on a salt restricted diet though. Follow your doctor’s suggestions for whatever problems you may have.
Baking is a good alternative to frying meat, so try that for a change, and definitely try to add fish to your menus every week. Some societies have been known to eat bugs and worms and such, but most of us have probably never embraced the thought of such “delicacies’’ being put on our plate. And, grasshopper legs stuck in the teeth may be a bit scratchy ... and unsightly.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you are working or playing in the heat of our summer days. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are both very dangerous situations we don’t want to experience. They are medical emergencies! Sodas, tea, and such should not be substituted for the daily water intake.
A hearty THANK YOU to Will for showing up on our birthday celebrations to snap pictures of the happy groups with their cakes. It’s always been a pleasure to have him come in the door, whether to deliver papers or take pictures, because he always comes in smiling ... spreading a little sunshine along his way. Good guy, that Will!
The butterflies seem to be everywhere flitting about on those delicate wings of theirs. So many colors to delight us! Lots of yellow and white-winged creatures are visiting the multi-colored blossoms right now. Watching them gives a sense of peacefulness in our lives, so grab you a perch or chair and observe those beautiful nectar-seekers as they flit about. Communing with nature is medicinal; it calms us and lowers our anxiety levels, as well as lowering our blood pressure. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
Keeping a glass of water by my favorite chair allows an occasional sip to keep me hydrated. It also provides an ever so tiny bit of protein. Those little gnats often turn my glass of agua into a private swimming pool, so occasionally I do get a protein boost when I take a sip. ;) Life is good! Have a terrific week of critter watching and spread your smile all around your neighborhood.